Trump: Zelensky "will be involved" in peace talks

United States President Donald Trump said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "will be involved" in negotiations to end Russia's occupation of his country, while adding that he could meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin "very soon."

"There's no set time, but it could happen very soon," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

"I think he wants to end [the war]. They want to end it quickly. Both of them. Zelensky too," Trump said on February 16.

Speaking to reporters the same day at a sporting event in Florida, Trump said Zelensky "will be involved" in peace talks.

Last week there were concerns that Washington could reach a deal with Russia, bypassing Kiev and Europe.

Bloomberg, citing unidentified officials, reported on February 16 that Trump wants to secure a ceasefire by the Easter holiday, which falls on April 20 this year.

The comments come as US leaders are preparing for talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Middle East negotiator Steve Witkoff and national security adviser Mike Waltz will also attend, the White House announced.

"We hope to make really good progress," Witkoff told Fox News.

Trump told reporters that his team had "long and difficult" talks with Russian officials and that Witkoff most recently spoke for about three hours with Putin.

Speaking to CBS, Rubio, who arrived in Israel on February 15, said the coming days will determine whether Putin is serious about peace in Ukraine.

Zelensky arrived in the Middle East on February 16, but Kiev said his visit to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey is aimed at boosting economic ties and that there are no plans to meet with US or Russian officials.

Zelensky's senior adviser, Mykhaylo Podolyak, said that "there is no negotiator who will represent Ukraine in Saudi Arabia" in the peace talks.

"Today, there is nothing on the negotiating table that can be discussed. Russia is not ready for negotiations," he told Ukrainian Television.

Earlier, Zelensky said he would not engage in negotiations before meeting with allies - including European leaders - to develop a strategy.

Rubio and other US officials stressed that Ukraine and other European countries would be included in any meaningful negotiations, if such were to take place. / REL  (A2 Televizion)